Hibernation
Enchantment (compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Brd 4, Sor/Wiz 5
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 5 Minutes
Range: Self
Target: Self
Duration: Permanent (see below)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
The last ditch effort of a spellcaster who is facing death, this spell is the perfect way to avoid being stranded to die. Upon completing the spell, the caster is put into stasis. The creature ages at one tenth its normal rate and does not need to eat or drink. Casters who have been trapped in caves or in other situations where they would soon starve to death have used this spell to wait for rescue, which can take as little as a week, to as long as centuries.
The caster can place a duration on this spell, making it expire in a predetermined amount of time. Otherwise, the spell continues until it is dispelled, or the caster feels pain. If the caster feels intense pain, he awakens temporarily, just long enough to view his surroundings. In that round, he may decide to end the hibernation, or to go back into it. This makes it very difficult to interrogate the caster, and a few casters have used this spell to keep valuable secrets from the hands of their enemies.